Aoraki/mackenzie events 2021

Elements, Lake Tekapo, 3 January. A pick ’n’ mix multi-sport event that embraces newbies and experts. Choose from a 1.5km swim, a 55km mountain-bike ride and an 8.5km trail run to be tackled solo or in a team. elementsnz.com Twizel Salmon and Wine Festival, Lake Ruataniwha, Meridian Rowing Complex, 27 February. Expect a day of foodie goodness. There’s cuisine (with salmon as the superstar, of course), and wine and craft beer from throughout the region. Live music, too. On Facebook.

Tekapo Springs Mid-Winter Swim, Tekapo lakefront, one nippy day in June. A dip in the glacier-fed lake at this time of year doesn’t last for long and squealing as the body hits icy water is mandatory. (And it provides extra incentive to visit the Tekapo Springs afterwards.) On Facebook. Meridian Twizel Hard Labour, Twizel, Labour Weekend, October. A grunty multi-sport extravaganza that consists of three events over two days: mountain-biking, kayaking and off-road running. Competitors can enter individual fixtures or complete all three and earn the lofty status of Hard Labourer. twizelhardlabour.org.nz